Brad Hansen

I take issue with and have concerns with this arrest of @TheMenzoid for the following reasons.: - There was no one in her security detail walking with or guiding the Minister except one other person who was not her security. So, there was no indication that it was "not allowed" for a member of the press to ask a question at that time. - Members of the press very often approach government representatives and ask questions where they can. This is what the investigative press does or at least used to do more of in the Canadian context. - The officer who made the arrest clearly moved towards reporter Menzies and Menzies was unable to move due to the cement pillar being in his way. - The officer made first contact then butted against reporter Menzies causing him to be caught between the pillar and the officer. - There was clearly no actus/mens rea elements, planning or malintent that could be inferred or be or construed as an *intent to harm Minister Freeland OR this police officer. - The officer HIMSELF then shoved reporter Menzies against the building without speaking to him and THEN states that he is "police". -The officer wrangles Reporter Menzies away from the building and states that he is "under arrest for assault of a police officer" which is clearly Not what occured at all. I take MASSIVE and justified exceptions to the state using the force and threat of legal charges in this specific incident and am asking all reporters to do THE SAME and speak up. It doesn't matter who he reports for, his political persuasion or if you know reporter Menzies THE PRESS must REJECT this type of activity. Let's see who the real reporters are in the country, shall we?